The Polar Express Adventure

Well I thought that I would let you know how our experience went with the Polar Express. On December 17th we all loaded into the car and began driving to Williams, Az. The drive started out on a good note. It was a little rainy but that is typical of Winslow if it is snowing other places it is raining in Winslow even if it is 29 degrees. Weird I know. As we got closer to Flagstaff we started to see snow on the side of the road and it really looked nice. When we pulled into Flagstaff there was some snow on the road and it was a little slick, however, Scott is a good driver so I wasn’t worried. After visiting with Isaac’s Family (Scott’s Brother), we headed out to finish our Journey to Williams. That is where the fun began.
It started to snow and the roads were a little slick but we got to The Polar Express. When we got out of the car it just so happened that we parked the farthest away from the depot that we could. (We didn’t know) So with 15 minutes before the train was going to leave we walked as fast as we could through the snow for about 200 yards. (Boy that was a good time) When we went to pick up out tickets the lady said that our car was right outside the door and was labeled Car K. We walked out the door to see Car B. (Those that know their alphabet know that we had a long ways to walk) Right then the conductor announced “if you’re on the 6:30 ride of the Polar Express we are now leaving.” We started to walk as fast as we could only to find out that our train car was clear back right next to our car where we had parked. When we got there the door was closed and we couldn’t get on the train. At the last minute a person opened the door and we hurried onto our car and actually had the best seats in the car with the most leg room. That was nice. I won’t mess up the experience if you’re planning on going next year, but it was awesome. We sang all the Christmas songs (Luckily they had a book with them all in there) Drank hot chocolate and ate a cookie just like in the movie. We got to the North Pole and saw Santa and picked him up for the ride back. The kids were so excited they couldn’t stand it. Although they said not to stop Santa and take pictures, he was a nice guy and let us take some pictures with him. All in all it was a good experience and one that I would recommend.
After we got off the train is when round two of fun began. Luckily the train stopped right in front of our car and we were one of the first ones to leave. We went to McDonalds to catch something to eat but for some reason Scott’s cards wouldn’t read in their machine so the manager just gave us the meal for free. (That was nice) As we were waiting for our food Bryan slipped on the wet floor and hit his head on the chair and then on the floor. Somehow he was still alive. We then Left Williams and found that we could only see 30 yards ahead of us on the freeway, and the roads were covered with about 1 inch of ice and snow. The only way we knew where to go was by following the tracks that people had left for us in the snow. Needless to say we drove 20-35 mph all the way to Flagstaff. A 20 minute trip turned into a 1 hour stress show. Truckers would drive by us all fast and completely cover our car with snow. When we arrived to Flag we ran into more snow and could only see about 15 yards in front of the car. The only thing that Scott and I could think of was that it would be better on the other side of the mountain. WE finally got to the other side of Flagstaff and ran into a clear sky that was beautiful. We thought we were in the clear. Well about 10 miles outside of Flagstaff we hit a bunch of fog and rain and again could only see 30 yards.
When all was said and done we got home at 11 or so and we were both tired from the drive. Later that night we discovered that Bryan had a concussion from hitting his head on the chair and floor. He threw up several times. Despite all of the crazy things that happened, I believe that we will try and go next year. However, we will try and go earlier in December to avoid the snow. So that is our trip on The Polar Express.

The Polar Express!

Well tonight is the night! Yes we are going on the Polar Express. This is what Bryan asked for for his birthday. He has been asking me every night before he goes to sleep if tonight was the night that the train was going to come. I ordered the tickets back in August. So YEAH it's finally here. Tayela has even realized that she gets to go and ride the train and see SANTA! It's fun, and I am excited because my kids are excited, and to make things even better......there is actually snow! Anyways I will update with pictures when I get them. HAHA who know when that will be. Hopefully sooner than later.

Dinner Ideas!

So I am calling out to all of you fellow bloggers. I need some good and different dinner ideas. I always try to make a list for the week but I am failing. Here's my problem...... I am pregnant......food sounds really good.... I just don't know what kind or what I want to cook. So I go to the husband cause you know I cook for him too... to get ideas or what he wants to eat. He then says, well you the one thats picky right now so you decide. So I am asking for ideas from all of you and hoping to expand our dinner idea list. So please help. It will be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks

Thanksgiving Fun!

These are our family pictures. there the one of Scott and I and my heavy front side. Thats just going to have to count as my pregnant picture. Then theres the one of my family. And then there the one of the girls. Everyone was pampering Tayela. she loves to have her fingers and toes painted. And the curlers in her hair was great g-ma James' doing. she was sitting on the couch with curlers in her hair so Tayela wanted to join her.

This is our family picture. With G-pa James, Tori, Dad, D.J., Tawni, Andon, Scott and Tayela in back from left to right. And in the front we have G-ma James, mom with Jaden, Jori with Troy, and me with Bryan

This is the grandkid picture. Jayden and Troy are on the left they are Andons kids and then mine are on the right. Bryan and Tayela.

The picture below is aunt Tawni and Tayela just having some fun.

Just a few random pictures

Both of these pictures are taking in the front of our house. You can't see much of it but thats it!

This is a normal day in the life of my kids. They only look innocent!
Bryan wanted to wear his robe. So I had to find something to make do for Tayela.

Getting ready to go to church. This pic

is an older one.

I finally got some film develpoed. These pictures are some older ones but there are also recent ones. So hopefully you all enjoy. My kids have grown up so much. And I finallly figured out how to do this the right way! Took me long enough. Lets just say...........I am not a computer person. Have a great day!

8 to 10 weeks?!

So in the last week or so I have had a lot of people who know that I am pregnant ask me "How far along are you?" That's a great question! I know it's horrible but with the other kids running around and keeping me busy I just really haven't thought about it. So I had my doctors apt. today and well my stomach measured to 28 weeks. he said that's great right on track. So that means I am about 28 almost 29 weeks. So I only have like ten weeks tops left to go. WOW!!! Where has the time gone. Really it was a shocker to me. Then I got to thinking..... well I have got to get a lot of stuff done. I have to find all the little baby girl clothes get them out and washed.....get the bassinet back to my house....... get the girls room ready and organized so that two will fit in there without a bed being under a window. And whatever else there is. And then as I was thinking all of this I realized that the time I have left is going to fly by. Why you might ask well because it's the Holidays. We have Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Our anniversary, and then Baby Kambria is going to be here! So there you have it. That I guess is my last ten weeks of pregnancy! Whew...... hopefully it really goes as smooth as that sounds.

I finally got a few pictures!

I hope that you all enjoy. I finally had my mom download pictures so I could put them up there. Just my kids in thier Halloween costumes.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

So I am really excited for tomorrow. I know it's silly and some people are bothered by Halloween. But I've got to love it. It's my birthday and I get to go and spend the day with my three favorite people ever! All morning long I get to be with my kids and take them to Pre-School all dressed up in their costumes. They are going to be Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. They are so excited to go show the other kids their costumes. Then my sister-in-law is nice enough to take my kids after that so Scott and I can go to lunch! Wow...... lunch by ourselves. AWESOME! Then of course later all of us get to go to the Trunk-or-treat and get the goods. :) I really enjoy the fact that my kids will be happy and excited all day about this, which makes for a good day for me. That's the best birthday present ever... Happy kids and being with my family. Any ways I will get my moms camera and try to post some pics for every one to see. Have a great day and a Happy Halloween!

update on my dad and I have been Tagged!

So my dad went to the doctor on monday in showlow. They did alot of testing gave him medications and sent him home. Well the nest day we went to visit and keep grandpa entertained. He was hurting a little bit. Well yesterday he woke up and his lungs and chest were hurting him so my mom took him to Flag to get a second opinion. Good thing. The immediatly put him in the hospital did more testing, and a cat scan. They found 2 bloodclots in his lungs. Which are not life threatning. They later did surgery to put a net in his leg to catch anymore breakage. During the surgery another piece broke off and went to his lungs. He is doing okay kind of having a hard time breathing.....well it hurts him. But is getting better. So thanks for all those ho have had him in your thoughts and prayers.


Okay now for the tag.


4 random things I love about my husband

1- He's all mine and will be forever!!!
2- I absolutely love his giggle when he is playing with our kids.
3- He has told me that he will have 4 jobs before I ever have to go to work. He really loves and supports our family.
4- Everything about him..... he's the best!

4 jobs I've had

1-cashier at speedy's during highschool.
2- Mr. G's pizza and sub maker.
3- Dental Assistant
4- Banquet staff in thatcher.. We decorated for weddings. I loved it!

4 movies I've watched more than once

1- You've got Mail
2- Cars( I can quote the entire movie)
3- Rocky ( I know but Scott loves them so does Bryan)
4- Enchanted

4 TV shows I watch

1- I don't have TV but if I did I would watch HGTV I love those shows. And I would watch the Backyardagains with my kiddos!

4 places I've been

1- Georgia
2- Florida( Walt Disney World)
3- Mexico
4- Japan!

4 places I've lived

1- Thatcher
2- Tucson
3- Flagstaff
4- Winslow

4 of my favorite foods

1- Mexican
2- Grandpa James' home cooking!!!! MMMM.... (he's a southern cooker)
3- Thanksgiving dinner! Does that count?
4- Chicken..... I eat alot of chicken.

4 places I would like to visit

1- Minnesota ( I want to take scott back. That was his mission)
2- Dineyland ( Scott has never been)
3- Hawaii
4- All of the church sites

4 people I tag

1-Emilie
2- Tara
3- Jamie
4- Lisa

Pray for my dad

My dad went to the Dr. today and he has a blood clot from his knee to his groin. So please keep him in your prayers. I don't know much else right now last I heard he was at the ER in Showlow and will probably end up in Phoenix. But not sure. I will keep all informed. Again just remember him in your thoughts and prayers.

Gotta love them kids!

So this is my second try for this blog. My computer froze earlier so I am doing this again. On Friday we had a fun adventure!! So we are all here having a nice evening at home. I was starting to cook some dinner and the Kids were watching Enchanted, and Scott was trying to find the BYU football game on the Internet. Anyways... Bryan takes off running for the bathroom. He comes out and starts watching the movie again. Normal right? So while Scott and I are in the Kitchen getting the table set and cheese graded and all that fun stuff. I realize that Tayela is missing. She is not watching the movie. So I go and find her. Well this precious little girl is in the bathroom. (Bryan did not close the door or the TOILET LID!) I find Tayela with a rag in her hands and her hands in the toilet! Yes this girl was just trying to clean the toilet for us and she was full of smiles and so very proud of herself. I of course was completely disgusted and yelled at Scott to come here now! She was soaked from head to toe in lovely toilet water! Our bathroom floor was flooded with toilet water. Scott comes in and starts laughing and then tells his daughter "Tayela no that's bad..... that's REALLY YUCKY!!! " I had already told her that this was very nasty! So of course she starts crying and feeling really bad. I then threw her in the bathtub and got her all cleaned up, and Scott cleaned the bathroom floor. Somewhere in there Bryan comes in WHAT HAPPENED? ME....... YOU DIDN'T CLOSE THE DOOR!!!! ( It's a good thing he flushed the toilet). So after all this I go back to finishing dinner. Well then I see Bryan run for the bathroom again. Then I hear "MOMMY..... I pooped.......my pants.......!!!!" ME "BIG SIGH OF FRUSTRATION" Scott he all yours. I have to finish dinner. So turns out the poor kid couldn't get his pants unbuttoned. Now here is my complaint. Really people.... when you make clothing for little kids who are learning to go to the bathroom don't make the button an actual button. Make them the snaps so they can very easily get the pants undone so they don't have accidents in the bathroom..... or anywhere else for that matter. So event number 2 taken care of. Well we just made him take a shower anyways. So as Scott is helping Bryan finish getting dressed and in his pj's Scott starts busting up... He is back there giggling with Bryan. So then I hear, hey Shandi how do you explain the cactus growing on my face? Bryan I guess had asked Scott why there was cactus growing on his face. And Bryan was very upset that is was there. So that was kind of the Highlight of the last half hour that was so very eventful. So for all of you who wonder what goes on in the Larsen household. There you go! Nothing to exciting..... just the joy of having a almost 4 year old and a almost 2 year old, and all the things they can think of to do!

So these last couple of weeks have been fun. I guess nothing to exciting. Lets see Bryan and Tayela decorated our house for Halloween and had a blast doing it. They both got Halloween shirts to wear for the season and Bryan's has a skeleton on it and loves to "scare" everyone who see's it. Then Tayela just does everything her brother does and it is very funny. I have finished makeing Bryans costume. He is going to be Peter Pan and Tayela is his Tinkerbelle. I am really excited about it. I guess you have to do the cute stuff while they let you. So for my birthday I get to take to totally cute kids around to Trick-or-Treat. What more can you ask for! So we are getting settled in our home. Trying every once and a while to do the small things that make it ours! I still haven't painted. I want to but then I don't so I guess eventually I will do that. So the lastest thing my kids have been doing is really kind of funny. It gets really old fast but you can't help but laugh. So Tayela will be crying and so Bryan being a good brother will come up and pretend to run into something.( the couch or a wall) Anyways this makes Tayela start to giggle and cry at the same time, which eventually turns into both the kids busting up laughing so hard that they can't even get themselves to stand up. Then Tayela will continue so do this high pitched squeel so Bryan will again run into something and it starts the whole thing over. Like I said its very funny then frustating because of the screaming but you just can't stop laughing. Let's see what else..... Oh Scott went quail hunting with my dad and brother. I think he had a good time. I belieive it was his first quail hunt and he did a good job. He got the first bird and the most so I guess you can't complain to much. Then he slaughtered both my dad and DJ in a game of 500. So he ended up winning to milkshakes to top everything off. Scott started coaching Jr. High wrestling on Tuesday. I think it will be great for him to do that. He will make an awesome coach. Although that means I won't see him as much for the next 2 months but the kids and I will be okay! And just love daddy for those couple of hours that he is home! Well I think thats about all I have to say. One of these days I will have a funny story to tell like some of you other bloggers, for for now this is what you get. Oh and sorry there are no pictures I don't own a digital camera( I know I know old fashioned right?) But I will get some on here soon. So every one have a great day!

So a quick up date for those of you who know Tori. We went and watched the Volleyball Tournament and what can you say She did great!!! She is a awesome hitter. I wish I was that tall when I played. But any ways they ended up winning the whole thing. Yes Joseph City is still #1!!!! She also made the all tournament team. Good job TOE!!! So this Sunday was the primary program and Bryan is a Sunbeam so he got to be part of it. He was so funny to watch. He was sitting by a little girl, who is actually his cousin, but they were sitting there flying their papersin the air or playing with the chairs in front of them. Trying there best to stay intertained. They finally got to the part we he got to say his line. He has been waiting for a long time to get to talk in church. So he get's up there says his part and is a happy as can be. By the way he was the only sunbeam to say his part all by himself. Sorry I just had to throw that in there. Anyways it was a really good program and I still can't beleive that I have a kid in the primary! It make's us feel really old. Silly I kow but it does.

Just another week!

So this week was pretty much like all the others. Just a few acceptions. Lets see here. I am finally getting over a kidney infection which was due to the fact that I am Pregnant. I am finally starting to show a little bit so I am in the phase of no clothes to wear. I only have about 4 months to go!!! I think that we might have decided on a name for our new girl. Lets see what else. Oh my sister Tori had pink eye and we gladly avoided that one! She is better now and we get to go watch her in the Joseph City Volleyball Tournament. GO TOE! Tayela had to get shots this week but I think that she is done now. Thank goodness. She is one grumpy girl when that happens. And last but not least Bryan sliced his finger yesterday on the blender blade. He was totally freaked out because it instantly started bleeding. It wasn't just a little blood either it was alot. So he is screaming his head off, scares his sister to death. She is screaming cause she has now had a glimpse if the bloddy finger and I am there trying to calm Bryan and Tayela down. Trying to wash his finger to see the damage. It was a good fight. But we finally get the finger washed kids calmed down and we waited for Scott's mom to come have a peek. Any ways finger is fine we did the liquid bandaid and water proof tape to hold it together. WERE GOOD. So I think that was all the extra activities that went along with the normal running around or whatever else we do.

Baby News

Well the news is that it is a GIRL! That's right Scott and I are not following the Larsen tradition. Which is that there is only one girl in each family if there is even a girl. So yes we will as of now be the first larsen sibling to have two girls. So there you go. So this baby will be number 16 or 17 for all of the grandkids and will make girl number 5. The rest are all boys. So I guess it has to be someone's job to provide the girls for the family. We are really excited and are trying to think of a good name. So any good ideas let us know.

Is it a boy or a girl?!?

Okay so today we are supposed to find out if we are having a boy or a girl. So we are all really excited. We think it's a boy but you never know. Bryan really wants to know what the baby is. So he will be thrilled to finally know. Any ways every one have a great day and we will keep you all posted.

Okay so I lied there are a few pictures. They are a little out dated but that will just have to do for now.

I finally started a blog!!

So I finally took it upon myself to start a blog. But you will have to forgive me because there will be no pictures for a while. So just to catch up on things that have been going on. Let's see here where do I start? Okay so in June Scott and I moved from Flagstaff to Winslow. Scott got a job with the Winslow School District as a Computer Tech. We bought a house in August and we are finally getting things put together and its starting to feel like it is ours! Bryan and Tayela go to Pre-School for about 30 minutes every day! Thanks Virginia. And they love it!! Bryan is starting to learn how to wirte his name so thats a big thing for him, and everytime he see's the letter B he says "look mom a bump and a bump!" I have to then say and what letter does a bump and a bump make? He then yells a B!!!! It really funny. Anyways Bryan will be 4 in December and Tayela is 18 months old! They grow to fast. We will be expecting our third baby around the end of January or the fisrt of February. So that is our news for now.